A family day out in Buckfastleigh, Devon

Looking for the best things to do in Buckfastleigh?  This small Devon town, nestled on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, has plenty to offer families, couples, and day-trippers alike.  Although it’s small, the town is full of history, wildlife, and family-friendly attractions.  From rescued otters and colourful butterflies to scenic steam train rides and historic abbeys, Buckfastleigh makes an excellent base for a family day out in Devon.

Read on for our guide to the very best things to do in Buckfastleigh, Devon, and start planning your perfect day out.

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If your kids love animals, then one of the best things to do in Buckfastleigh with children is a visit to the for the Dartmoor Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary.  This small but fascinating wildlife centre combines playful otters, colourful butterflies, and even a few reptiles.

The highlight for us was watching the otters at feeding time (11.30am, 2pm, and 4pm).  As otters are nocturnal, this is when they’re most active, and the keepers give a lovely introduction to each otter’s personality and habits.

What makes this place special is its strong focus on otter conservation.  Many of the otters here have been rescued or bred as part of international conservation programmes, and the sanctuary works hard to protect otters in the wild.

Afterwards, we visited the tropical butterfly house, a steamy greenhouse full of vibrant butterflies.  Even if you’re not usually a butterfly fan, it’s magical seeing them up close, and if you’re lucky, you might witness a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis.

Overall allow about an hour for your visit.  Since much of the sanctuary is undercover, it’s also a brilliant rainy day activity in Dartmoor.

Next, just a short walk from the Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary, the South Devon Miniature Railway is perfect for younger children.  “Greenie,” the shiny diesel engine, takes families on a short half-mile loop around the gardens by the station car park.

It’s a simple, quick, gentle ride, ideal if you’re visiting Buckfastleigh with train-loving toddlers!

For train lovers of all ages, one of the most unforgettable family attractions near Dartmoor is the South Devon Railway.  This beautifully preserved heritage line runs between Buckfastleigh and the historic market town of Totnes, with a stop at Staverton, a station that has barely changed in a century.

The scenic 7-mile route offers views of rolling Devon countryside and Dartmoor hills.  At the Buckfastleigh station, you’ll find everything you need for a family visit: a large café, toilets, a children’s playground, and even a model railway shop with working displays.

Even if you don’t take a ride on the steam train, it’s still fun to relax at the picnic area and watch the locomotives puffing in and out of the station.  It really does feel like stepping back into the golden age of travel.

Check here for the SWR train prices.

From the station car park, a riverside path leads along the River Mardle into Buckfastleigh.  Once a busy wool town during the Industrial Revolution, Buckfastleigh has an interesting history.  The town became notable in the 11th century when King Canute established Buckfast Abbey here, long before it grew into a centre of wool production.

Today, Buckfastleigh is a quiet but characterful market town with a handful of independent shops and cafés, making it a pleasant stop during a family day out.

Along the way, you can visit the remains of the Holy Trinity Church, destroyed by fire in 1992.  Its stone steps are home to the local “wishing stone.”

According to tradition, if you climb the extra steps and place a stone, your wish may come true.

Continuing down the High Street, one of the more unusual rainy day activities in Buckfastleigh is visiting the Valiant Soldier Museum.

Known as the “pub where time was never called”, the Valiant Solder was a working inn for hundreds of years until the doors closed in 1965.  And today it looks exactly the same as it did on that day.

Walking through the rooms feels like stepping back into the 1940s and 50s, complete with everyday objects and wartime artefacts. The upper floor also has a small heritage centre about Buckfastleigh’s wool trade.

The Valiant Soldier doesn’t take long to visit, and the children were a little distracted by the end.  However, it’s very cheap and provides another thing to do with kids on a rainy day in Dartmoor.

Finally, no visit to Buckfastleigh is complete without seeing Buckfast Abbey, one of the most popular Devon attractions near Dartmoor.  Originally founded under King Canute in the 11th century, the abbey was dissolved under Henry VIII in 1539.  The current building was rebuilt by monks in the early 20th century and is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows.

The abbey is only a short drive from Buckfastleigh town, making it easy to include in your family itinerary.  While the abbey itself is impressive, children will also enjoy the gardens, with a sensory garden, lavender garden, and millennium garden to explore.

Entry is free, making Buckfast Abbey a must for any family day out in Buckfastleigh.

If you have more time in South Devon, there are plenty of nearby attractions worth adding to your itinerary:

Firstly, this interactive farm is perfect for younger children. Kids can cuddle miniature pigs, feed lambs, collect eggs, or join activities like ferret racing and goat walking.

On a sunny day, head to Buckfastleigh’s heated outdoor swimming pool, complete with an adventure playground, a zip wire, and skate park.  Given to the people of the town in 1887, this historic pool is heated, so is always warm.

Just minutes from Buckfastleigh, Dartmoor is ideal for outdoor family activities near Dartmoor.  Explore the rugged moorland, ancient settlements, and streams for paddling or wildlife spotting. There are plenty of walking and climbing opportunities for all ages.

If you are new to the area, you could start at Haytor Visitor Centre for easy access and dramatic views, or head over to Princetown, where you’ll find several family-friendly walks suitable for all abilities.

After a day of exploring, here are some local pubs to consider:

• The Abbey Inn – A popular riverside pub near Buckfast Abbey.  Booking ahead is recommended as it fills up quickly.

• The Tradesman’s Arms, Scorriton – Traditional pub food with a garden overlooking the valley.  Good views and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Dartbridge Inn – A large, friendly pub in Buckfastleigh, although experiences with food quality can vary.

Buckfastleigh is located in South Devon, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, and is close to the small towns of Ashburton and Totnes.

• By car: Easily reached via the A38 (Devon Expressway) from Exeter or Plymouth.

• By train: The South Devon Railway offers a scenic heritage steam train experience from Totnes to Buckfastleigh

Overall, Buckfastleigh is easy to reach and makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside and Dartmoor.

If you’re planning on staying longer, Buckfastleigh offers a range of accommodation options, from cosy B&Bs to self-catering cottages, making it a practical base for families or couples.  One of the best things about staying here is its central location: you’re on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, just a short drive from the Devon countryside, picturesque villages, and sandy beaches along the South Devon coast.

What are your favourite things to do in Buckfastleigh, Devon?  We’d love to hear your comments below.

You may also like:

• A visit to Burgh Island, Devon
• A day out in Shaldon, Devon
• A fantastic walk from Haytor Vale to Hound Tor, Dartmoor
• Widecombe-in-the Moor; a pretty Dartmoor village

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